API urged lawmakers to carefully review the recommendations put forth today by Governor John Hickenlooper鈥檚 task force on oil and natural gas development.
鈥淭he task force has engaged in a thoughtful dialogue about Colorado鈥檚 future as an energy leader,鈥� said API Director of Upstream and Industry Operations Erik Milito. 鈥淏ut there is more to do. State policymakers must avoid creating unnecessary or unintentional roadblocks to the responsible energy production that is driving Colorado鈥檚 economic growth. Our industry has a long history of working collaboratively with state and local officials in Colorado to protect the environment and create jobs, and we鈥檒l continue to work with policymakers to ensure the state remains at the forefront of America鈥檚 energy renaissance.
鈥淢aintaining a balance is critical. Colorado has comprehensive and robust regulations covering oil and gas operations that still allow industry to support 200 000 jobs in the state. With the right energy policies, we can create thousands of additional jobs, generate more revenue to help support local schools, develop infrastructure, and preserve Colorado鈥檚 leading role in America鈥檚 energy revolution.鈥�
API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million US jobs and 8% of the US economy. API鈥檚 more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation鈥檚 energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 25 million Americans.
Adapted from press release by